David K Pearson

Capt. David K. Pearson, 73, USMC (Ret.) of Yuma, Arizona passed peacefully on 9 June 2025, at his residence.

David was born January 16, 1952 in Phoenix, Arizona.  He is the son of the late Robert and Celia (Hunt) Pearson.  He attended Camelback High School in Phoenix and in 1969 at 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served in the aviation ordnance field in both the enlisted and officer ranks, ultimately retiring after 25 years in 1994 as an Aviation Ordnance Officer (6502).

While serving as a Marine, David met the love of his life, Julie (Cookie) Tom in Hawaii and they were married in 1980.  Soon after, God blessed them with the answer to their prayers, a beautiful, loving daughter, Kari-Lynne Leikaimana. As Kari grew, she was athletically-inclined and very involved in sports; primarily soccer, fast-pitch softball, and swimming. David and Cookie both helped coach her teams and helped out with any other needs of the teams, especially when they were involved with the traveling teams.  As a young adult, Kari fell head-over-heels for and married George Vogt Jr. and were soon blessed with two very energetic sons, Ryder and Hunter.  From the moment they arrived, these two boys were sharp, loving, and active – with their parents and grandparents very involved and active in all aspects of their lives.  David and Cookie loved every minute they could spend with them.

After his military service, David worked in numerous occupations in Yuma, finally retiring for good in 2023 after 25 years as a civilian contractor at MCAS Yuma as the Southwest Technical Training Range (SWTTR) Configuration Manager/Technical Writer.  When not working, David loved spending time with his family, especially his two grandsons, whether they were swimming, riding bikes, roller blading, or going to the “bounce-house.”  David and Cookie particularly enjoyed taking their grandsons to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Yuma County Fair whenever they could.

David will be greatly missed by his devoted wife of 45 years, Cookie, loving daughter Kari, son-in-law George Vogt Jr., grandsons Ryder and Hunter.

In addition to those family members above, David is also survived by his sister Donna Brock of Plano, Texas and, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins around the country.  

David was preceded in death by his father Robert Pearson, mother Celia (Hunt) Pearson, sisters Barbara Rosenthal of Fresno, California and Phyllis Roether of Las Vegas, Nevada, and brother Jack Pearson of Reno, Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Hospice of Yuma or the American Lung Association. 
Services for David will be announced at a later date.

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